My Volunteering Story

When I was 12 years old, I was working towards becoming a lifeguard and swimming instructor. I was taking swimming lessons and enjoyed being at the pool. I decided that I wanted to volunteer with swimming lessons on the weekend. I knew that it would be helpful once I got to high school so that I could complete my volunteer hours. Little did I realize the impact it would have on my life. Once I began volunteering with swimming lessons, I also applied for a cashier position at the pool. I would spend my morning volunteering and then work part-time in the afternoon during recreational swims. I learned so much from the lifeguards and swim instructors. They treated me as one of the team and I grew more confident in my skills. Eventually, I became a lifeguard and swim instructor. I had my own volunteers in my swimming classes that I could share my “wisdom” with. That period of my life was possibly the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever encountered. Throughout my time as a volunteer helped me to solidify my dream to work with children with special needs. It gave me hands-on experience and helped me to advocate for others in my community. I worked for the Town of Halton Hills for many years as a swimming instructor as I became a certified teacher (traveling from St. Catharines to Acton so that I could keep teaching swimming lessons). The relationships I built within the Town of Halton Hills are still strong. Some even stood up with me at my wedding and as a ring bearer. They became a part of my family. The people that I taught swimming lessons to, the instructors I learned from and worked alongside, and the supervisors that guided me along the way truly made an incredible difference in my life. When I was 12 years old, I started volunteering with swimming lessons and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

-Amanda